Track has another record-breaking road trip

Senior+Alex+Mason%2C+in+the+yellow+jersey%2C+leaves+the+starting+line+during+a+distance+event+at+the+MSSU+Lion+Invite+on+Feb.+2+2013.

Willie Brown/The Chart

Senior Alex Mason, in the yellow jersey, leaves the starting line during a distance event at the MSSU Lion Invite on Feb. 2 2013.

Both the men’s and women’s track teams spent a successful weekend on the road.

The women’s team picked up nine provisionals at the Oklahoma Baptist Invite at University of Oklahoma last weekend. Jasmin Hughes won the 200m dash with a provisional time of 25.20 to move her to 15th nationally in Division II. Amber White picked up a win in the 400m with a time of 56.73 that placed her 11th nationally.

Brittani Reagan not only finished the weekend strong but also was named the MIAA Women’s Field Athlete of the Week.

Reagan said, “It’s a very happy and exciting feeling” to earn that honor.

Reagan won the triple jump with an improved provisional distance of 39-08.00 that ranks her seventh nationally. She also finished third in the long jump with a provisional mark of 18-08.50, ranking her 15th nationally.

“This weekend I had my best jumps of this season in both long and triple jump, so I was happy with that,” she said.

Amber White and Shelby Newell each had provisional marks of their own, finishing second and third, respectively, in the triple jump. Kylie Cornman won the shot put with a provisional distance of 47-09.25, while placing fourth in the weight throw. Kaitlyn Belisle was second in the 5k with a provisional time of 17:40.15.

“We had a good, well-rounded, and balanced attack this weekend with some really nice performances,” said Head Coach Patty Vavra. “Our next meet is traditionally known to be a meet where a lot of people qualify, with many Division II schools from all over the country competing to nail down some spots for the national meet. Our goal for this week is to see if we can’t get some quality performances that might get us those national meet marks.”

The distance medley relay team of Kindra Emberton, White, Sydney Potts and Emily Harris picked up a provisional and placed second in the event with a time 12:18.59. Whitney Hardy won the high jump in a provisional height of 5-05.75.

Jeff Fraley broke his own school record, while Darion Boure set a record in the triple jump as the men’s track and field team competed at the Oklahoma Baptist Invitational.

Fraley ran a 6.71 to win the 60m and qualify for nationals in the event. He broke his own school record in the event by .05 and is now ranked third nationally in the event, which ironically still sits him at number three in his conference. This is because the top three sprinters nationally ranked for the 60m event are in Southern’s conference. Fraley also won the 200m, running a provisional time of 21.90, while Erron Holley picked up a provisional mark and improved his time in the event finishing second at 22.28. Anthony Price finished third with a provisional time of 49.78 in the 400m.

The 3k was dominated by the Lions as eight finished in the top 12. Andrew Webster, Tyler Rush and Eric Schott placed 2-3-4 in the event, while Alex Mason and Colton Wooldridge placed seventh and eighth.

“The purpose of the meet at OU and the upcoming meet in Nebraska are to either, a, better our national times, or, b, get in the fast seats for conference,” said Head Coach Bryan Schiding. “We are beyond the point were trying to work things out. Now we have to be strategic about our racing and what events we are racing.”

The Lions will be back in action today, sending athletes to both the University of Nebraska and Central Missouri before the MIAA Indoor Championships return to Joplin next Friday.